Interior Design Advices

10 Exciting Bedroom Decorating Ideas

2006-11-09T11:41:00.001-08:00

Your bedroom is your sanctuary so you want it to be delightful and inviting. Here are 10 great ideas to inspire you to create the bedroom of your dreams.

1. Using Accents In Your Bedroom - The most delightful accent is to make generous use of decorative pillows. Pile your bed high with them using a variety of sizes and styles, colors and patterns. Layered pillows give a lush feel to any bedroom. Candles serve a dual purpose as an accent item. They can add a splash of color and they can give a wonderful mood altering scent. The scent of your bedroom really is quite important, so the judicious use of potpourri can be the perfect finishing touch.

2. A Lovely Idea For A Little Girl's Room - Bring wonder and enchantment to your little girl's room by using specialty lighting. A small decorative chandelier is quite affordable. Your little princess will be filled with joy as she gazes into the sparkling light.

3. An Interesting Use Of Neutrals - Decorate your bedroom with neutrals and you can constantly achieve a fresh look. There are many items within a bedroom that you can adapt with each season. Change your comforter, pillows and pictures to easily achieve new looks and color schemes on a regular basis.

4. A Fun Idea In Place Of A Picture - Personalizing your decor is what will make your bedroom unique. Instead of a picture, gather small momentos around a theme and display them in a shadow box. (A shadow box is simply a picture frame with depth.) As a theme, you could use items from all those music lessons you took as a child, or maybe keepsakes from the first dates with your husband - like ticket stubs and the cupie doll he won for you. You will feel the warmth of memories every time you see it.

5. Making The Most Of Your Bedroom Space - To create more space, your first consideration is color. Use cool light colors - whites, blues and greens to make the walls apparently recede. Another trick to help your space look larger is to paint the moldings to match the walls. Be very aware of the scale of your furniture. A small bedroom is simply not the place for a king-sized bed. Keep things clutter free and you'll make the most of your livable space.

6. Pull Together A Theme - For a different look, try to replicate a favorite Hawaiian or tropical vacation you've enjoyed. Start with a bamboo headboard and plan on an island color scheme with bold prints. You can use plenty of plants to recreate the lush outdoors. Stick with natural fabrics and add a quality potpourri to remind you of your heaven on earth. A final touch would be naturally woven wood blinds. You will amaze yourself with the atmosphere you can create.

7. Using Bedding To Help Design - There are amazing colors and prints available for bedding. A decorating trick is to use your bedding to dictate your color scheme. Go for the most plush comforters and highest thread count sheets. You want your bedroom to be so inviting and desirable to you, that it beckons you every evening.

8. Contemporary Bedroom Design Ideas - To accomplish the popular contemporary design, try neutrals with nice accent colors, such as a muted navy. The idea is to stay crisp and clean. Florals don't belong in this look. Go for a minimum of clutter and you'll be well on your way.

9. Guest Bedroom Essentials - Part of offering great hospitality is to make your guest bedroom feel completely welcoming. On the night stand, have a spate of new magazines along with a water glass and a decorative bowl filled with candy. Your guests may be more cold-natured than you, so include an extra blanket on the bed. Finally, use high quality pillows and sheets to let them know that their comfort is paramount.

10. Creating A Romantic Bedroom - There is nothing as delightful as a bedroom that invites romance. Have soft lighting available and think plush - with lots of pillows and fabrics to give tactile pleasures. An excellent sound system with speakers discreetly tucked around the room will envelope you with mood-setting music. Use colors on the softer side which appeal to you personally. Try soft pinks or light greens - whichever color pleases you. The idea is surround yourself with luxury to create the perfect romantic retreat.

Article Source: http://www.articlecube.com

Melisa Verch is the author of a Special Report entitled "Tip Top Tips - An Inspiring Collection To Make 30 Changes In 30 Days." For a limited time, enjoy a complimentary copy at www.DecorateMyHome.net You will be quite pleased with this unique resource for updating your home.

Tips for Refinishing Your Wood Floor

2006-11-09T11:41:00.000-08:00

Whether you have a floor that is old and in need of a facelift or a one that you're yearning to touch up, refinishing your floor isn't as hard as you think. With the right materials and a willingness to put in some hard work, your dingy, dirty wood floor can be gorgeous and elegant again.
There are a number of things you'll need for this job before you get started:
1) First and foremost, protective plastic gloves and old clothes you don't mind ruining;
2) Wood Stain;
3) Stripping Agent;
4) Your choice of wood stain;
5) Sand Paper;
6) Putty Knife;
7) Steel Wool;
8) Buffing Paper;
9) Special squeegee for spreading the stain. Ask at your local hardware store if you're unsure;
10) Polyurethane;
11) D-natured Alcohol;
12) Aluminum pan;
13) Good mask or face cover.
Once you've gotten all your materials together, you can begin by removing all covers or carpeting. If the rug doesn't come up clean, you'll need to scrape it with a putty knife to get rid of the excess.
The floor doesn’t have to look perfect, but it should be relatively clean. This includes getting rid of any tack stripping along the floor edges. This is most easily achieved by using a flat head screw driver to pull the tacking up.
After you've finished clearing the old materials and debris from the floor, use the stripper and spread it on an area of around three feet. It seems tedious, but you want to be able to clean the area quickly. Let it sit for five minutes.
Then pour the D-natured alcohol into the aluminum pan and clean the area you just treated with steel wool. As alcohol does evaporate, use it in small bits. Repeat the process from the beginning of stripping until you've covered the whole floor. Smooth any rough spots with sand paper and follow it up with a buffer.
When you've completed this process, apply the stain you chose to floor, allow it to dry completely, and apply two coats of polyurethane. Keep in mind that it will take up to a day and a half or two days for the polyurethane to dry.
The process can take anywhere from a week or longer, but if you work quickly, or with a partner, over several days, you can finish the project without a problem. This also depends how large the space is; if you're doing your house, expect quite awhile. If you're doing the dining room floor, expect significantly less.

www.fastfloors.com

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www.fastfloors.com

How Interior Designers Hang Wall Tapestries

2006-11-09T11:40:00.000-08:00

If you just bought a wall hanging, you may know how confusing and frustrating it can be to hang a wall tapestry properly. Unlike posters or framed print, tapestry wallhangings can be very tricky to get just right. Luckily, there are some good general rules that you can follow to make your wall décor look as good as it should.

First, consider what hardware you would like to use to mount your tapestry. The most popular method is using a wall tapestry rod. Wall tapestry rods are preferred over curtain rods because the tapestry rods are stronger and will not warp. When shopping for a rod, look for one that has easy to assemble brackets. Make sure that your brackets will project your tapestry away from the wall at least 1 to 2 inches. This will keep the air circulating behind your wall hanging, so moisture cannot get trapped and damage the fabric. Look for a tapestry rod with an antique finish—it will add a touch of class and elegance to your wall décor.

Second, take a look at your room. Where should you hang the tapestry? How much space should you leave around the wall hanging? Here are some general guidelines that may help.

If you have a fairly long and narrow vertical wall hanging similar to our Portiere tapestries, you should hang it on a wall that is tall and narrow, but make sure there is enough space around it to prevent your wall from looking cramped. This will prevent the tapestry from looking small and insignificant.

If you have a large tapestry wall hanging, it is best to hang it on a wall all its own. You do not want to crowd the magnificence or distract a viewer’s attention with smaller pieces. Huge tapestries can transform your home into a castle, so treat them with care and respect.

Perhaps you purchased two smaller tapestries, but only have one rod—don’t worry, you can make this work. You can place two small narrow vertical tapestries next to each other on a single tapestry rod, just remember to leave at least 3 to 6 inches in between them for the illusion of separation. Please note that this will only work with tall narrow tapestries like our Art Nouveau Four Seasons Set. Anything larger than this will look cramped and amateurish, so try your best to measure everything out correctly.

You may need a special rod if your tapestry is very large and heavy or if your wall hanging is unlined and light. For large tapestries over 80 to 100 inches, you should consider a tapestry rod that is at least one half inch thick. This will prevent the rod from warping in the middle. If you purchased a chenille tapestry wall hanging, you may want to consider either a thin rod or a wooden rod. If the rod is too large in relation to your tapestry, it will look overbearing and unprofessional.

Article Source: http://www.articlecube.com

Victoria Winters is an interior design expert and specialises in tapestries. Check out her website for further information on tapestries.

Maple Laminate Flooring - The Beauty Of Real Maple, Without The High Cost!

2006-08-06T06:20:00.000-07:00

If you've ever thought of installing a wooden floor in your home you've probably given some thought to opting for Maple flooring. Maple is indeed a gorgeous wood but it unfortunately usually comes at a high price and is therefore often beyond the budget of many new homeowners. Luckily, there is an alternative, maple "laminate flooring", and it will allow anyone on a tight budget to turn the dream to have maple flooring into reality. What's more, maple laminate flooring is not only more affordable, but can be installed much more easily than traditional wooden flooring. It doesn't compromise on beauty either because, by using the latest technological advancements during manufacture, maple laminate can be just as beautiful as genuine maple, yet it is more durable so it really is the more ideal choice for most people.

Fortunately for homeowners that are looking into maple laminated floors there are many manufacturers to be found. Two well-known ones are Quick Step and Westhollow. Each of these companies, as well as others, offer something just a bit different so every consumer should research all of their options before choosing a particular maple laminate for their home.

- Quick Step

Quick Step is a highly favored laminate flooring provider. Their flooring is generally known to be easy to install, very durable, and highly affordable. Country Maple is a beautiful choice offered by Quick Step - It is a classic maple color and would go well in just about any room of the home. Country Maple retails usually between $2 and $3 a square foot. Another great laminated Maple option from the same company is Natural Varnish Maple. It is a lighter shade than the Country Maple option and also features beveled edges, which really give the flooring a classy and authentic look for any home.

- Westhollow

Westhollow offers some great products that are known for their beauty, consumer friendliness and reliability. One of the beautiful maple floors offered by them is Sugarcane Maple, which generally will retail between $2 and $3 per square foot. This flooring is a beautiful honey color that anyone would love. Another stunning floor is Westhollow's Roman Hard Maple, which comes in at around the same price.

- Maple Laminate Floor Overview

There is no doubt about it, maple laminate flooring is lovely and should be considered a worthy investment for any home. Laminate floors are great because they will hold up longer than hardwoods and will not require the upkeep of real wood floors. They are also a smart option because they can often be installed by the homeowner him/herself, which can help to save a substantial amount of money! Maple laminate flooring is simply a good idea in any home!

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For more free information and advice on Maple Laminate Flooring visit www.laminateflooringco.com

Learn Some Techniques In Designing Woodwork

2006-08-06T06:19:00.000-07:00

Designing woodwork can be an intricate process. After all, it’s never easy to miss a single detail, or else, your work of art is flawed. It takes careful planning, appropriate tools, and the right dose of technical knowledge to get the job done right. Below are some practical tips and advice for an effective woodwork design:

1. It is a basic requirement that before you even start laying the foundation of your brand-new house or striking that first nail in your future furniture, you already have a clear-cut idea of how it will look after it’s finished. You already have a concept of how many rooms you want or how big they might be, or the sizes of the picnic tables you want to place in your backyard or front lawn. So perhaps to avoid forgetting all of them, you may start making your own list. If you’re having difficulty conceiving those brilliant concepts, you can drive around your neighborhood and check out some of their woodwork. Remember the key here is not to exactly copy your favorites but just to provide yourself an inkling of your desired finishes, types of materials to be used, and other pertinent details.

2. If you crave more ideas, then you better stand up from your couch and go for a stroll in your favorite stores. Surely, one or two of them sell some home building magazines and books. You really don’t have to buy them if you don’t want to, though they can be quick references in dire needs. All you have to do is skim through them, possibly read some articles and tips. It is a great advantage if photos are available.

3. Luckily, you are blessed with good technology. There are many woodworking and architectural software sold online or in computer shops. Since they are created to be user-friendly, they are easy to install and use. The good thing about them is you basically don’t have to start from the very beginning. They have a wide range of built-in templates that you can choose from. Most of the time, only slight modifications are needed, and changes are easy to implement.

4. Should you be someone who’s not fond of computers or you don’t own one, you can start everything from scratch—literally. Since you are vulnerable to mistakes, it is recommended that you draw your plan using a pencil on a clean blank paper.

5. Learn the essence of complement. Your woodworking plans, like the furniture, should blend together to produce the most unique and comfortable home and office.

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Mohamed Rabea - Online Tips and Resources! www.pallet-rack-now.info www.palletrack-guide.info

A Look At A Few Popular Decorating Styles

2006-06-15T06:16:00.000-07:00

A Look At A Few Popular Decorating Styles Popular decorating styles are always changing. Is your home up to date on the latest fashion trends and decorating tips?

Popular decorating styles are fun, interesting and they just add something to talk about to the rest of the home. If you are considering a redo of your living room, your kitchen, your bedroom or virtually any other room in or outside of your home, consider some of today’s more popular choices. You are sure to find one, or two, that you really love to use.

Traditional: We have to start with the traditional look because it just does not go out of style. Here, the look is furniture that comes from the Kings and Queens of yesteryear, early American trends and a wide range of other formal styled items. You are looking for traditional to come through in the upholstery, in the window treatments and even in the accents that are placed around the room. Traditional is a style that is highly expensive to pull off with exceptional quality furnishings.

Shabby Elegance: Who’s to say that this is not one of the best methods of decorating. The look is that of chic, something that features light toned wall and furniture colorings, old china pattern looks, warm yet comfortable pieces that create a sense of relaxation when you look at them.

Contemporary: Modern contemporary looks have always been in style in the last decade. These looks are influenced by pieces that are bold and bright, different and unique and are functional yet are also more of a piece of art as well. You will find straight, clean lines in the furnishings and walls here.

Art Deco: This popular decorating style is one that seems quite a bit like the modern contemporary yet it has a more flowing look to it. The lines are not as straight, but rather are curved.

Rustic: The look for the log cabin is not gone. In a rustic Southwestern feel, you will have woods used of various types. It will have a laid back feel with warm throws and soft, comfortable furniture. The color scheme here is that of warm, rich colors that complement the woods.

French Country: This is a very popular choice in decorating styles. Here, you will have many bright colors and will have that feel of whimsical dreaming. Wood finishes are done with fruitwoods and cherry. Art work with color is on the walls.

One of these popular decorating styles will work perfectly in your home. There are plenty to select from to help you to transform the look for your home into something that is amazing.

Article Source: http://www.articlecube.com

Adam Peters contributes adding articles to www.home-decorating-reviews.com . Your guide on home decorating and how to choose from hundreds of decorating styles ideas and tips.

A Look At Carpets

2006-06-15T06:13:00.000-07:00

Carpets are one of the most romanticized consumer items which have a long history dating back to 4th millennium BC. The romance still lingers on in the Arabian world which is evident from the value they place on owning expensive carpets. A gold laced pure wool carpet was among the wedding gifts received by the reigning Sheikh of Saudi Arabia in 1978.

Carpets and rugs are not the same as is confusedly interchanged by some people. While carpets are generally used as floor coverings rugs are used on beds and tables.

Types of Carpets

Carpets can be classified into three categories regardless of their end uses, either domestic or industrial.

1. Loom produced woven carpets: You can have multicolored carpets having intricate designs, woven to cut pile. The multiple color and intricate designs are woven by using different colored yarns. Woven carpets command the highest price in the market.

2. Tufted carpets: These are produced by high speed tufting machines in single colors yarns. Only basic patterns are possible in tufting machines and are sold as low end carpets.

3. Needlefelt carpets: These are used in high traffic places such as hotels etc and are made on high technology machines by synthetic fibers. These are of high quality and cost a lot more than the other two.

Carpets are generally rolled open from wall to wall covering the entire area of the room. They are always exposed to dust and stains such as inks and tea. Carpet cleaning is a specialized service you can hire for cleaning and removing tough stains. But there lot many things you can do to take care of them.

Carpet Care At Home

Since carpets enhance the looks of the room, maintaining them calls for utmost attention. Here we are not talking of cleaning carpets after they are stained. Dirt and sand damage the tiny fibers if they are allowed to stay there. Use rugs outside the front doors which remove maximum dirt there. Avoiding shoes over carpets help a lot. Vacuum clean the carpets regularly.

Don’t allow stains to dry, rinse immediately using a stain remover and after you did it, remove the stain remover too. These solvents, if left over, will affect the fibers and colors slowly but surely. How will you remove stain remover? A domestic vacuum cleaner will do. Soak the spot where the solvent is applied and extract it repeatedly until you are satisfied.

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Alan Ross is a regular article contributor on many topics. Be sure to visit his other websites Obesity, Diet and One Stop Information

A Beach Theme for Your Home

2006-06-12T04:53:00.000-07:00

Decorate your house with a beach theme, and you'll feel as though the ocean is right outside your door.

Starting with the windows, invest in a set of beautiful tropical wood shades. They'll give your windows the perfect, natural beach-house look with little effort.

Use surfboards or body boards to create coffee and end tables. Then, display painted coconuts and decorative seashells as accent pieces. Think of all the things that remind you of the ocean and try to incorporate them in your design . . . sand, seagulls, and saltwater fish are all great starting points.

Another great way to decorate is with wooden sliding panels. Using tropical wood patterns, these floor to ceiling screens can divide a room, darken the windows, and even hold lightweight photos or shells to enhance your beachy decor.

Everyone loves summer at the shore, so why not bring a little bit of the beach home with you this year?

Working With An Interior Decorator: Incorporating Home Appliances Into Your Home Décor

2006-06-11T18:05:00.000-07:00

If you have hired an interior decorator to assist you in the design of your home, you should maintain regular contact with your decorator to make certain that the man or woman understands where you would like to head in regard to the design of your living space. This includes the manner in which you include and incorporate home appliances into your home and living space.

For some people, the kitchen is the last place on the world that they want to spend time. Of course, on the other hand there are people who absolutely love spending time in the kitchen. Because of this variance, the manner in which a kitchen ultimately is designed depends in no small manner on the way a person approaches and utilizes that particular space in the household.

Depending on what you want to do with and in your kitchen will be the key and foundation upon which the area and space should be designed and decorated by your interior design professional.
In working with an interior designer, you will want to make certain that the designer understands exactly what you want to spend when it comes to all elements of the home -- including the amount of money that you wish to spend on such things as home appliances. Without paying very close attention to purchases, it is very easy to run over budget when it comes to decorating your home, including when it comes to the purchase of various types of home appliances that you will want for your residence.

Generally speaking, when you are in the process of designing a home or remodeling a residence, you should layout and define your budget up front. Within this budget, you should include the realistic costs you anticipate for the home appliances that you will want to purchase as part of the overall decorating program. As with keeping an eye on the decorating progress, by laying out a budget up front and in advance, you will be better able to control the costs associated with a decorating project.

In the end, by working with a home designer or interior decorator, you can end up with an absolutely spectacular home. Professional assistance can help you make your dream home become a perfect reality. You will have the exact kind of home that you want both today and on into the future.

Article Source: http://www.articlecube.com

Dana Bradley writes about Dries Coupons and Washers Appliances on Sale

How Floor Plans Can Save You Money

2006-06-11T18:03:00.000-07:00

In almost every major real estate market in the country, prices for new homes have increased by double-digit amounts for the past few years. This has sent the price of new and used homes through the roof. Millions upon millions remain stuck in the dead-end rut of the rental game due to these skyrocketing home prices. But one way that you can possibly end the rental nightmare or perhaps even upgrade to a larger home is to use floor plans and start from scratch!
There was a time when a person had to hire an architect to have a set of floor plans drawn up for a new home. Not only was this a costly expense, but it was time consuming as well. Nowadays, of course, a person has any number of outlets where finding floor plans are concerned.

The Internet is prime territory for finding floor plans for almost any kind of home design. Builders often post floor plans of homes they have already built as a way of showcasing their work. There are also specialty sites who specifically sell floor plans. The cost of these plans will vary according to site and house type, but it is entirely possible to secure a set for less than $300. That is a fraction of what it would cost you to have an architect firm create floor plans from scratch.

If you are particularly computer savvy and love to be creative, you may want to design your own floor plans. Using a typical CAD (Computer Assisted Drafting) software program, you can create your own floor plans from scratch. Some of the better programs will be able to calculate load strengths and help you craft realistic plans. If you do not have one of the better CAD programs, then you may need to have your plans verified by a structural engineer or contractor to make sure that all of your designs are feasible and safe.

Of course, floor plans can also be found in a number of books available at any library or bookstore. These are tried and true plans that usually come with a picture of how the home will actually look when completed. The cost of a book with floor plans can run you from $25-75.
No matter where you get the floor plans, they are quite useless unless you have the land to build the home on along with the financing to have it built. A lot of time and money can generally be saved by buying your floor plans as part of a kit which includes most of the lumber and materials necessary to build the home. You are usually responsible for the plumbing, foundation, and electrical—but everything else is included to turn your floor plans and big dreams into an actual house of your very own. So consider floor plans and some property as a real economical solution to ending the rental nightmare.

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Floor Plans Info is an information site that contains links, a directory and other Floor Plans Information. It can be found at: http://www.floorplansinfo.com/

Keep That Kitchen Sink!

2006-06-11T18:00:00.000-07:00

Have you ever heard that expression, “They threw everything out but the kitchen sink!”? Do you know why they didn’t throw out the kitchen sink in that saying? It is because the phrase originated when the average kitchen sink was made from cast iron. If you are unfamiliar with cast iron then you may not be aware that this is a very heavy and dense material. Simply put, a kitchen sink made from cast iron was too heavy to throw out the window!

A cast iron sink was commonly coated in enamel. Now this enamel was baked onto the cast iron so that it would not come off. If you have ever seen a damaged cast iron sink coated with enamel, then you have noticed those “brown spots” in the sink. Those brown spots are what happens when that enamel coating is broken off and the cast iron underneath is exposed to water. Naturally it, like all metals, rusts.

One of the great things about an old cast iron kitchen sink coated in enamel was that you could get them in almost any color. Although white was the most common, a wide variety of other colors were available. A lot of people matched their cabinets and counter tops with their cast iron sink.

Unfortunately, the cast iron sink is virtually a dinosaur of days past. People have opted instead for a lightweight kitchen sink made from a composite material or perhaps a solid surfacing material like some of the countertops are made out of as well. Occasionally you will see a stainless steel sink but many of the contemporary homes are built with non-metallic materials.
But a cast iron sink is an absolute classic and is a great addition to any restoration project. Vintage lake cottages look wonderful with a cast iron kitchen sink because most were equipped with one when they were new. But what do you do when you come across an old cast iron sink—especially if it has seen better days?

A fully restored and functional cast iron kitchen sink can actually add value to your home—they are that rare and coveted! If you find one that has the “brown spots” mentioned earlier or other damage to the enamel finish, there are still experts out there who specialize in resurfacing enamel and porcelain. For a fraction of what it would cost you to buy a comparable sink, a resurfacing expert can make your cast iron kitchen sink look like new.

Even if you find a cast iron sink that is impractical for your particular home, don’t throw it away! There are a number of companies that specialize in restoring cast iron sinks so don’t hesitate to jump on the web to find one in your area. Hey, they just aren’t making the classics any more so the more that can be preserved, the better!

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Kitchen Sink Info is an information site that contains links, a directory and other Kitchen Sink Information. It can be found at: http://www.kitchensinkinfo.com/

Welcome to Interior Design Advices

2006-06-11T17:55:00.000-07:00

Hello to all!

I'm glad to see you here at Interior Design Advices Blog!

This site is started because we know how many of you have a problem in deciding what to change in your home to make it the more beautiful, better, easier to manage and similar.
We will give our best to help you in deciding by giving you as much as we can good and quality advices, tips, tricks and links to products that could help you in making your home better.

Stay with us and be sure to check our site often beacuse we planning to updated this blog on a daily basis or every two days, depending on the available content.

Regards,
Thomas